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No trip to the West Coast would be complete without experiencing a British Columbia icon, the "killer whale". Now Canadian Outback Adventures has partnered with Prince of Whales, the leaders in the local Victoria whale watching industry, to provide you numerous opportunities to view these magnificent creatures, in style.
Choose from a Victoria whale watching zodiac tour departing from Victoria's incredible Inner Harbour, a favourite amongst orca enthusiasts seeking some extra adventure mixed in with the stunning scenery. Those looking to ride in more comfort will want to check out the various whalewatching options available on The Ocean Magic, a state of the art whale watching vessel complete with a marine biologist to provide more in-depth discussions of marine mammal biology and ecology.
And now there's no need to have to make your own way to Victoria to enjoy the whales. Hop aboard The Ocean Magic in downtown Vancouver to combine your wish to see the whales and desire to visit Victoria as well. We can even combine all this with the world famous Butchart Gardens. Read on for details of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ...
Click here to go directly to tour options and prices
  
   
We want the whales and responsible whale watching to survive. That means taking care in how we work around the animals. We participate in the revision of whale watching guidelines used throughout the industry. We meet with government officials and whale scientists to discuss the social and biological impacts of eco-tourism activities. We attend scientific symposia to learn the latest biological and ecological findings, and we have offered the use of our vessels to scientists to use as “platforms of opportunity” to observe the whales in their natural habitats. We believe that it is important to reduce the environmental impacts on the whales through science, education and action.
A fantastic fun-filled fresh-air experience! Our zodiac-style whalewatching boats are designed for high speed and quick turns. Our skippers have years of experience and the most current, in-depth knowledge of what's happening on the water. Feel the power of the Pacific Ocean first hand!
Our ten zodiac-style, open whalewatching boats offer guests an exciting adventure ride - complete with sea spray. Five of these boats have marine toilet facilities, and the all-weather suits we provide only add to the fun! Each boat is equipped with twin Mercury OptiMax outboard engines, which are the highest ranked in fuel efficiency, emission standards and noise pollution.
The small size of the Zodiac allows the passengers to get to know their captain and ask plenty of questions.
Based on the successful Naiad Explorer, Prince of Whales' new all-aluminum 62-foot Ocean Magic is raising the bar for big, high-performance whale watching vessels. - Simon Hill / Mariner Life Magazine
Our new big boats, the OCEAN MAGIC I & II, are 62-foot aluminum express cruisers capable of cruising at 30 knots an hour and seating 74 passengers. The boat functions as a floating classroom staffed by marine biologists who provide an educational narrative about the marine mammals you'll see along the way. Keep your camera handy!
The high-speed whale watching vessel looks like a "zodiac on steroids", but it's made entirely of welded aluminum to provide extra stability.
The top deck is capable of seating 40 passengers, the aft deck is capable of seating 25. The main passenger cabin, located below the wheelhouse and top deck, features a heated passenger seating area, airline-style washrooms and a small pantry. Mid-ship seating is open to provide a generous view from inside the cabin, but can be protected with clear vinyl curtains during transit. The forward cabin is entirely enclosed behind large glass windows and serves as a warm-up area during cooler weather.
Pregnancy & Other Health Concerns: Your safety is our primary concern. If you're pregnant, please advise us before booking. Individuals with any health concerns or physical discomforts should consider the Ocean Magic.
Seasickness If you're prone to seasickness, consider reserving the zodiac-style, open boat; an unobstructed view helps ease nausea.
What Should You Bring? Simple! A camera, sunscreen, a water bottle, a light snack, sunglasses and warm clothing.
What Do We Provide? We provide full-body survival suits for our Zodiac tours. So, you don't need to bring your own life jacket!
Unsure? If you have any questions or concerns, please call 1-800-565-8735.
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Prince of Whales is a proud member of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest. You will find the operators who are members to be safe, professional, and respectful of the wildlife that calls this area home. The Whale Watch Operators Association logo is your assurance of a responsible company. LOOK Before You Book! |
  
This is a fun and adventurous marine sightseeing, whale watching and wildlife viewing tour, a true Canadian classic. We have 10 Zodiacs available, each with a capacity for 12 passengers. Groups of up to 120 passengers can depart at a single departure time. We have hydrophones on board to hear whales, and our professional and experienced guides will be your driver and naturalist. You'll stay warm and comfortable with our warm cruiser suits for all seasons. We also have wool hats and gloves available during cold weather. And yes, we have portable washrooms for emergency purposes (you'll want to use the washroom prior to leaving the dock to avoid having to use our less-than-glamorous portable version!).
- This Victoria whale watching tour is available year round
- Departures in the peak summer season are every 30 minutes starting at 8:30 AM. In the early spring and late fall we will try for every hour, depending on demand.
- You need to check in 30 minutes before departure at the Prince of Whales Office @ 812 Wharf Street (Lower Causeway Level) in Victoria's Inner Harbour
- Tour duration is 3 hours
- Rates: $89 Adult (19+) | $79 Student/Senior (13 – 18, 65+) | $75 + GST Child (8-12)
- This tour is not available for children under 8 years of age
- Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST
Hop on board our world famous fast, quiet, and whale-friendly vessel, the Ocean Magic, for an incredible west coast sightseeing experience! The Ocean Magic is as fast as a Zodiac with speeds up to 50 kph, whisking you quickly and in style to marine sightseeing, whale watching and wildlife viewing hotspots. It's heated forward cabin, midship indoor/outdoor area, 2 outside viewing decks and two onboard washrooms will ensure whale watching in comfort. We have hydrophones on board to hear whales, and our certified naturalists will provide educational and interesting commentary on what you see.
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This whalewatching tour is available year round
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Departures in the peak summer season are at 9:00 AM, 12:15 PM and 3:30 PM. In the early spring and late fall we will try for every hour, depending on demand.
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You need to check in 30 minutes before departure at the Prince of Whales Office @ 812 Wharf Street (Lower Causeway Level) in Victoria's Inner Harbour
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Tour duration is 3 hours
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Rates: $95 Adult (19+) | $85 Student/Senior (13 – 18, 65+) | $75 + GST Child (5-12)
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Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST
  
Our Top Seller, and for good reason. Wow! This tour packs in everything into just a single day. The ultimate way to see the whales, visit Victoria, and take in the world famous Royal British Columbia Museum AND the Butchart Gardens. Sightseeing truly doesn't get any better than this, and at an unbelievable price! Tour trip begins with Gray Line West picking you up at your downtown Vancouver or Richmond hotel. We'll shuttle you to meet the Prince of Whales staff awaiting your arrival at a local Starbucks, mere steps from the docks and The Ocean Magic. You'll enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and muffins/donuts on board while you take in an exciting whale watching and marine wildlife adventure tour, complete with commentary by certified naturalists. Your comfort on board will be assured with our heated forward cabin, midship, indoor/outdoor area, and 2 outside viewing decks. We also have two washrooms on board.
Once in Victoria you'll have free time to explore lovely downtown Victoria. Included in the package is your choice of entry into the world-famous Royal BC Museum or the Maritime Museum, both conveniently located just steps from Victoria's Inner Harbour. You'll also enjoy a fully narrated scenic drive through the city of Victoria and surrounding countryside en route to the Butchart Gardens (admission also included). Following your breathtaking exploration of Butchart Gardens, we'll bring you back to Vancouver via BC Ferries for a 1.5 hour journey through the Gulf Islands.
Unbelievable. This is a tour that needs to be a "must do" during your visit to British Columbia!
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This tour is available May 30 - Sept 14 2008
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It includes pick-up service from downtown and Richmond hotels from 7:15-7:45 AM
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Check-in is at 8:00 AM where you will meet Prince of Whales staff just inside the front doors of the Waterfront Station main entrance at 610 Cordova Street in Vancouver. We will be conveniently in front of Starbucks!
- Departure from Vancouver is at 8:15 AM aboard the Ocean Magic
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You will return to Vancouver that evening aboard BC Ferries for a 1.5 hour journey through the Gulf Islands. We'll have you back in Vancouver around 9:30 PM or so.
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Rates: $275 Adult (age 13+) | $249 Child (3-12 years of age)
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Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST
  
Another phenomenal value! A great way to see the whales, visit Victoria, and at the end of your day zoom back to Vancouver in mere minutes. Sightseeing truly doesn't get any better than this, and at an unbelievable price! Tour trip begins with Gray Line West picking you up at your downtown Vancouver or Richmond hotel. We'll shuttle you to meet the Prince of Whales staff awaiting your arrival at a local Starbucks, mere steps from the docks and The Ocean Magic. You'll enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and muffins/donuts on board while you take in an exciting whale watching and marine wildlife adventure tour, complete with commentary by certified naturalists. Your comfort on board will be assured with our heated forward cabin, midship, indoor/outdoor area, and 2 outside viewing decks. We also have two washrooms on board.
Once in Victoria you'll have free time to explore lovely downtown Victoria at your own pace, taking in the attractions that are of most interest to you. The Undersea Gardens, Royal BC Museum, Maritime Museum, and more. They're all within easy walking distance of the Inner Harbour. There are a number of tour companies you can make arrangements with to take you out to the world-famous Butchart Gardens.
To finish off your day, instead of having to take BC Ferries to get back to Vancouver, you'll be whisked back via an exciting 35 minute float plane ride over the beautiful Gulf Islands. This archipelago is often referred to as "The Mediterranean of the Pacific".
Want to stay overnight in Victoria and come back to Vancouver the next day? Your next day flight can be pre-booked at time of reservation at no additional expense.
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This tour is available May 30 - Sept 1 2008
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It includes pick-up service from downtown and Richmond hotels from 7:15-7:45 AM
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Check-in is at 8:00 AM where you will meet Prince of Whales staff just inside the front doors of the Waterfront Station main entrance at 610 Cordova Street in Vancouver. We will be conveniently in front of Starbucks!
- Departure from Vancouver is at 8:15 AM aboard the Ocean Magic
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You will return to Vancouver either that evening or on another day (must be decided at time of reservation) aboard a float plane for a 35 minute flight over the Gulf Islands.
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Rates: $259 Adult (age 12+) | $179 Child (2-11 years of age) | Under 2 years is free
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Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST
If you're one of the many people who are looking to take in a whale watching tour AND visit Victoria, this combo tour is hard to resist. See the whales and make your way to Victoria, all in one tour. West Coast sightseeing at its best, and at an unbelievable price! Tour trip begins with Gray Line West picking you up at your downtown Vancouver or Richmond hotel. We'll shuttle you to meet the Prince of Whales staff awaiting your arrival at a local Starbucks, mere steps from the docks and The Ocean Magic. You'll enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and muffins/donuts on board while you take in an exciting whale watching and marine wildlife adventure tour, complete with commentary by certified naturalists. Your comfort on board will be assured with our heated forward cabin, midship, indoor/outdoor area, and 2 outside viewing decks. We also have two washrooms on board.
Now that you're in Victoria you'll be able to do whatever you wish prior to making your way back to Vancouver. Take in the Butchart Gardens, have High Tea at the Empress, stroll through Beacon Hill Park, or marvel at the exhibits inside the world-acclaimed Royal British Columbia Museum.
How do you get back to Vancouver? Make your own arrangements with the various bus services available, or better yet, hop back onboard the Ocean Magic for a doubleshot of marine sightseeing. The choice is yours.
Vancouver Departures:
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This tour is available May 30 - Sept 14 2008
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Includes pick-up service from downtown and Richmond hotels from 7:15-7:45 AM
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Check-in is at 8:00 AM where you will meet Prince of Whales staff just inside the front doors of the Waterfront Station main entrance at 610 Cordova Street in Vancouver. We will be conveniently in front of Starbucks!
- Departure from Vancouver is at 8:15 AM aboard the Ocean Magic
- Arrives in Victoria's Inner Harbour at 12:15 PM
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Rates (One Way): $139 Adult (age 13+) | $119 Child (3-12 years of age)
- Rates (Round Trip): $239 Adult (age 13+) | $199 Child (3-12 years of age)
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Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST
Victoria Departures:
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This tour is available May 30 - Sept 14 2008
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Check-in is at 3:00 PM at the Prince of Whales Office @ 812 Wharf Street (Lower Causeway Level) in Victoria's Inner Harbour
- Departure from Victoria is at 3:30 PM aboard the Ocean Magic
- Arrives in downtown Vancouver at 7:30 PM
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Rates (One Way): $139 Adult (age 13+) | $119 Child (3-12 years of age)
- Rates (Round Trip): $239 Adult (age 13+) | $199 Child (3-12 years of age)
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Prices in Canadian funds and do not include GST
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VANCOUVER & VICTORIA WHALE WATCHING TOURS